The role of personality traits and health literacy in predicting self-care ability in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

INTRODUCTION

One of the main complications of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to numerous problems. Self-care behaviors in these patients can help prevent complications. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate the role of personality traits and health literacy in predicting the self-care ability of patients with diabetic foot ulcers in Iran.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in the hospitals of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. A convenience sample of 232 patients was selected, and data were collected and analyzed using demographic, personality trait assessments, health literacy assessments, and diabetic foot ulcer self-care ability questionnaires.

RESULTS

In this study, 232 patients with diabetic foot ulcers participated. The mean age of the participants was 57.7 years, and 55.2% of the patients were male. The health literacy score of the patients was 40.29, indicating inadequate health literacy and more than half of the patients (79.3%) had above-average self-care ability. A significant negative correlation was observed between the personality trait of neuroticism and patients' self-care. On the other hand, health literacy had a significant positive correlation with the self-care ability of patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

CONCLUSION

In this study, most patients had average or above-average self-care scores. Higher self-care ability was independently associated with younger age, shorter time intervals between physician visits, non-smoking status, and higher health literacy levels. Patients with higher health literacy and the personality trait of openness to experience had better self-care ability. Therefore, strengthening educational programs and psychological counseling can help improve these abilities and reduce disease complications.